SA soccer salutes fallen star Masinga
HERO FOREVER
“THE death of Phil Masinga means we have lost a giant of South African football.”
That was the reaction from soccer boss Danny Jordaan as he joined the many tributes that poured in for Masinga, the legendary Bafana Bafana striker, who died yesterday aged 49.
Masinga had been ill for some time but his death still came as a big shock to the country’s football family.
Masinga played 58 matches for the national team and will always be treasured for scoring the goal against Congo in 1997 that secured South Africa’s first World Cup appearance in 1998.
Jordaan said: “I am really gutted. I saw him last Sunday before I flew to Dakar. Although he was not feeling well, he was in good spirits and I promised to visit him again this week – and now our hero is gone.
“Phil was a loyal servant of the game on and off the field. His goal against Congo which took us (South Africa) to our first World Cup in France in 1998 is still the most celebrated goal in the country to date.”
Doctor Khumalo, himself a legend in the Bafana shirt, was stunned over Masinga’s passing. “It’s a sad moment for South Africa football and throughout the world because he was internationally known. I’d like to thank the Masinga family for giving us the opportunity to be around Chippa.
“To me, especially, he might have made me who I am today. Remember in the game when you give the final pass, the finisher is the most important person and he is the one that made me look better. He is the one that made people to recognise who I am.”
Former Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, who shared many glorious moments with Masinga for South Africa and English Premiership team Leeds United, said Masinga had “rare qualities.”
“It is a great loss to South African football. He made an impact wherever he was. He was very straight-forward. He always said what he felt. When we needed him, he delivered.
MEN come and go but the footprints left behind shall never be wiped away by the rain.
Philemon Masinga may be gone but he is forgotten.
His legacy will live on. I was devastated yesterday when I heard about the passing away of the legendary Masinga.
What a legend!
What a man!
A very accomplished individual yet so humble. A true gentleman of the game. When he was playing I was still a kid but I saw some of his best football.
At his best, Masinga was lethal. Whenever I wanted his insight, Masinga was always available. He never gave me attitude.
He treated everyone with utmost respect.
Masinga was a special individual. I conducted several interviews with him and he always spoke sense. I’m not saying this because he is no longer with us but I’m just stating the facts.
His contributions to South African football will forever be forgotten.
The wonder goal he scored against Congo will always rank as a highlight in Masinga’s career. Bafana Bafana needed a hero in that game and Masinga raised his hand and came in the country’s rescue.
It was magnificent goal. It was a cracker. It was a stunner. It was a scorcher.
They were in pursuit of qualifying for their maiden Fifa World Cup and Masinga produced a moment of magic. He whole country was in a jovial mood.
History was made and made in style. Masinga will always be remembered as one of the most accomplished marksman the country have ever produced.
He is fifth on the list of the all-time leading scorer for Bafana behind Benni McCarthy (31 goals), Shaun Bartlett (29 goals) and Katlego Mphela (23) and Bernard Parker (23).
Masinga netted 18 goals in 58 appearances for Bafana.
Masinga was a natural finisher. He was not skilful but he was all about goals.
Masinga suffered barrage of criticism during his career with Bafana but never succumbed to that pressure. He was jeered but that didn’t bring him down.
Jomo Sono described him as someone with big match temperament and very strong mentally.
He showed that when the masses booed him.
Masinga responded by scoring goals. Players like Thamsanqa Gabuza of Orlando Pirates can take a lot of lessons from the late Masinga.
Gabuza has been the victim of the boo boys. Earlier this season Gabuza couldn’t take it anymore as he decided to substitute himself.
You never saw that with Masinga. He only knew one way to respond and that was by banging in goals. May his soul rest in peace.
The legend won’t be booed in heaven because he will meet his former teammates in John “Shoes” Moshoeu and Sizwe Motaung.
They all helped Bafana Bafana to lift the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996.
We will certainly miss your insight, humility and your sense of humour. I’m sure God will comfort his family in this difficult period. You ran you own race Chippa. Your journey was an inspiring one and you will forever be in our memories. As I said in my opening statement, a man may come and man may go but the footprint left by them shall never be washed away by rain. Lalala ngokuthula Chippa!